Product Description

An extremely informative book which does not offer a plan for getting sober but does offer us sound advice about how to stay sober. Basic, essential information from Alcoholics Anonymous.

As the book states, "Anyone can get sober. . .the trick is to live sober."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13575 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 92 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780916856045
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
American history includes many social movements that aimed to help people stop drinking. There was Prohibition, of course. But there was also the Anti-Saloon League, the American Temperance Society, the Washingtonian Temperance Society, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and more. Only one such movement survived -- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA not only survived, it spread across the world. Today, AA lists its membership at 2,160,013, with 100,766 groups in Africa, Asia, and Europe as well as North and South America. If ever there was evidence that sobriety can be mass-produced, it is in AA. AA began with the chance meeting of two people on May 12, 1935: Bill W., an alcoholic stockbroker from New York, and Bob S., an alcoholic surgeon in Akron, Ohio. Bill got sober through a set of principles that, he felt, had saved his life (ideas that later evolved into the Twelve Steps of AA). He shared those principles with Bob, who never took another drink after that day. Dr. Bob's "dry date" of June 10, 1935 is officially counted as AA's founding. Bill and Bob began working with other alcoholics, helping them achieve sobriety one at a time. And in 1939 the group published the book Alcoholics Anonymous to explain its Twelve Step program of recovery. Last year, sales of that book passed 20 million. Perhaps the best introduction to AA principles is the "preamble" traditionally read at the beginning of a group meeting: Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. By focusing on that purpose, AA avoids the mistakes of temperance groups that took on a variety of political causes, splintered into factions, and died. "Our focus has prevented us from straying into areas that we don't have experience in," says a member who works in AA's General Service Office. "What we are is alcoholics helping other alcoholics. This has helped us maintain our unity." Elaine McDowell, PhD, chairperson of AA's General Service Board, agrees "the Fellowship's main reservoir of strength is its singleness of purpose. For 66 years the hand of AA has been there for the alcoholic. It works!" AA members engage in a set of activities suggested by the Twelve Steps, such as: **Telling the truth -- that they are addicted and cannot stop drinking on their own. **Admitting and releasing resentments and fears. **Making amends to people they've harmed. **Engaging in prayer and meditation. **Sharing AA principles with others who want to stop drinking. AA members describe their program as spiritual not religious. No creed or ritual is required, and from the beginning AA has welcomed atheists and agnostics. At the same, members seek daily guidance from a Higher Power. That term is defined individually. For some members, it is the God of a church. Other members find their Higher Power in a friend, in nature, in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, in their AA group or any other source of outside help.

Customer Reviews

Excellent for those that are just starting or long term
As I recovering alcoholic for 14 years, this has always been a helpful tool for staying in touch with the simplicity of every day soberiety. I highly recommend it for newcomers and people interested in stopping alcohol use.

common sense advice for complicated people
I love this little book of wisdom and I feel very lucky that a friend gave me a copy. It's almost too bad it's branded AA because I think anyone could benefit from the wisdom here about living a joyful and a peaceful life.

A wonderful introduction to AA and recovery
I am a counselor working with recovering alcoholics, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a problem with drinking or just wants to learn more about how AA works. It is easy to read and upbeat. There are words of wisdom on each page, and suggestions which are easy to apply. A lot of the advice could work for anyone whether they are a recovering alcoholic or not. We can all learn to get active with healthy activities, use the serenity prayer, and practice gratitude. The 12 steps are not covered in this book, but you can learn a lot about other ideas which form the foundation of the recovery movement. The book is written in short chapters on each topic, which makes it easy to read exactly the part you want to learn more about. Although it was written in the mid-70s, the information here can easily be applied to today's lifestyles.